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Cindy E Hiday

Iditarod Nights

Synopsis

Claire is about to take sixteen dogs on the biggest race of her life: 1,049 miles of Alaska's harshest terrain, extreme weather and sleep deprivation. Romance? Not going to happen. Yes, the musher from Nome is easy on the eyes, but he's an Alaskan man, and she will return to her home in Oregon after the race, to honor a promise. Besides, he has too many secrets, and secrets always come back to bite her.
Dillon shouldn't be attracted to her. She embodies everything he left behind six years ago. Her questions stab at a trauma he thought buried so deep he would never have to face it again. But her dark amber eyes remind him of aged whiskey, and that's a problem. He looks to the upcoming race for solitude, his dogs for salvation, as he plays his strongest card – denial.
Then the night screams.

Author Insight

Family ties.

I grew up in a stable, loving home, my bond to my parents unwavering, even in death. Both of my main characters come from strong family ties, relationships that have been tested and, in some cases, ripped apart. Claire's ties pull her back to Oregon, while Dillon's bind him to Alaska. Neither person is talking about their deep-rooted convictions, yet their attraction to each other continues to grow.

Book Excerpt

Iditarod Nights

She shut off her cell phone and looked up. Dillon stood in the doorway, wearing a fresh pair of jeans and a blue flannel shirt, his wet hair slicked back and his grooming kit in hand. She felt an unexpected frisson at the thought of him in the next room, bathing. Naked.

"The shower's free," he said.

"Thanks."

"Did you reach your dad?"

"Yes. He's worried about me."

"You're lucky."

The softness in his voice squeezed her heart. "Do you have somebody," she asked, "family somewhere, worrying about you?"

"Not anymore." Harsher this time. Another off-limits topic. "We've got an early morning ahead of us. Try to get some rest." He made to move away.

"Dillon?"

He paused, his eyes settling on her. Frisson. Undeniable and too strong to ignore. She tossed her phone onto the bed and crossed the room, stopping only when she was certain he must be able to hear the rush of her pulse. "In case there isn't a chance tomorrow," she said, and kissed him.

He tasted of mint toothpaste, his mouth welcoming and gentle. He wrapped his free arm around her waist and closed the space between them until she could no longer distinguish her heartbeat from his. Her equilibrium tilted. She felt unguarded tenderness in the way he held her, needed her.

She kissed him until her tears threatened to return. Drawing back, she caressed his smooth-shaved cheek and whispered, "See you in Nome."